Knox County Ohio Real Estate Information Archive

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Recently we learned that the Fed had cut its federal funds rate once again to 4.5%.What followed in the news was a flood of technical financial jargon, which just confuses many people rather than helping them understand how the change affects them.

Luckily for those who did not major in finance, BankRate.com has put together a handy “What The Fed Said” translator of the Fed’s news release!Check it out here and remember that an experienced Realtor can always refer you to a reputable lender, who can help you decide the best way to finance your home purchase.

We’ve all rolled our clocks back an hour and are beginning to adjust to the earlier onset of evening.In the winter months our homes can seem darker than usual, but there are ways to use the natural light that is available in your home to brighten things up.Money Magazine has published a list of “Do’s” and “Don’ts” for adding light to any home – among the topics covered are:

Skylights (pick ones that open and choose carefully where to put them)

Big windows (install them to showcase your best views, but don’t forget to add small windows above or below them that open)

Window height (put windows high on the wall, but not tight to the ceiling)

Window grouping (group several windows together, but don’t separate them with fat supports)

Following these tips for adding light to your home will help to increase your home’s value.To receive a complimentary comparative home value analysis, click here.For more information about KnoxCountyOH real estate, please visit SamMiller.net or call me at 740-397-7800.

With the recent news coverage of the devastating fires in California, home fire safety is a most timely topic.Although we may not be at great risk for wildfires here in Ohio, an important part of responsible homeownership is being prepared to both prevent a fire in your home and to rescue yourself and your family should there be a fire in your home.

This printable Fire Safety Checklist, provided by FireSafety.gov, is a great resource for determining what fire hazards may lurk in your home, how to make them less hazardous, and what to do in the event of a fire.The Today Show also provided some useful tips to ensure you would know what to do if you had to evacuate your home in the event of fire.These tips include:

Make copies of your documents.Either put them in a waterproof and fire-proof safe, or give the copies to a trusted friend or relative.Make electronic copies, as well.Remember that valuables left in a safe deposit box at a bank could also be destroyed in the case of a widespread natural disaster.

Get your insurance information in order.If disaster strikes, make your claim right away, and be sure to take pictures of the damage.

Come up with a family plan.Again, do it now!Make sure everyone knows where the important documents are, and agree on a meeting place in case you become separated.

Many of these items are tips we hear over and over again, but they never really seem useful until a disaster strikes close to home.By the time that happens, of course, it is generally too late to put the tips to use.Preparedness now can save time and, possibly, lives later.

If you are thinking of becoming a homeowner in KnoxCountyOH, please call me today at 740-397-7800 or visit SamMiller.net.You may also begin searching Knox County OH real estate here!

Many potential first-time homebuyers put off the purchase of their first home because they simply think they won’t be able to qualify for a loan.However, applying for a mortgage is very different than it was 10 or 20 years ago – thanks to all sorts of creative financing offers that are available today, many people who are still giving their money to a landlord could be purchasing their own home.FreddieMac.com has put together a great list of “myths” about becoming a homeowner, and it shows just how feasible homeownership can be for most people.Here are just a few of the Many Myths About Homeownership:

Myth: You need great credit to become a homeowner.Fact: You may still be able to buy a home with less-than-perfect credit. And remember, you can improve your credit over time.

Myth: You need to put 20% down to buy a home.Fact: There are many types of mortgage products and programs that allow low and no down payments. But remember to factor in other costs such as closing costs, property taxes, moving

Myth: Lenders share your personal financial information with other companies.Fact: By law, banks and other financial institutions are restricted in their uses and disclosures of information about you. In some situations, you may choose to restrict the disclosure of your information if you don't want it to be shared.

Myth: You can't get a mortgage if you've changed jobs several times in the last few years.Fact: Not true. You can change jobs several times and still get a loan to buy a home. Lenders understand that people change jobs. The important thing is to show that you've had a stable income.

If you are ready to get on the path to homeownership in KnoxCountyOH , please call me today at 740-397-7800 or visit SamMiller.net.You may also begin searching KnoxCountyOH real estate here!